The Ode Series, #2

I started the Ode Series as a way to acknowledge some of the style bloggers who have impacted me with their definitive take on personal style and life. Sometimes it’s a specific outfit that inspires me to try something new, or perhaps it’s a thoughtful comment or question that gets me thinking. Melanie of Bag and a Beret does this and more.

As an artist, she creates posts that explode on my computer screen; they’re visually arresting, entertaining and often hilarious, and invariably contain great styling ideas. Her commentary can be thought provoking or just plain theatrical fun, but always with an underlying generosity of spirit that embraces and refreshes. And as someone who loves words, I think she had me hooked when I first saw “harridan” in her byline!

One thing about her, though. She’s quick, in every way. I had this outfit in mind weeks ago, inspired by some posts she’d been doing. Recently, however, she’s been doing something quite different. I love that. Whether it’s Wuthering Heights or Nancy Sinatra, it’s all firmly deposited in my inspiration bank, ready to inform me as the mood strikes.

All I need now is decent lighting and a backdrop (perhaps a surreal version of the road to Mandalay, poetic license required).

The silk coat is vintage, the earrings from T.J. Maxx, the bracelet, beret, and suede/satin Bally boots were thrifted, the dress is an upcyled H&M skirt, and the ring was a gift from Lynx.

I adore Melanie’s blog too, and her fun, creative spirit. And I love your outfit, the silk coat is TDF, and I’ve never seen those boots, anywhere — gorgeous! Thanks so much for linking up to Visible Monday, Jean.

I am completely in love with every single one of these treasure that you’ve put together in a most spectacular way! The coat is utterly beautiful, the striped skirt is perfect and you look so lovely in your beret! xo

Beautiful ‘Ode to Melanie!’ She has the gift of surprise and all that you so beautifully wrote in her honor. The gorgeous silk jacket, unique boots, patterns and of course the red beret! You take inspiration to another level, and you are radiant in this ensemble!

Mélanie is something else! Love her style and syntax, i have to read slowly to grasp and take everything in since english is my second language
Those boots of yours are spectaculaur, i wish i could see the heel better, looks fabulous –

Don’t feel bad! I have to read her posts slowly as well, and usually multiple times, and I still miss some of the juiciness!! Click on the picture of the boots and it should enlarge. Also, I will be upgrading my photos shortly. Thanks for your patience!

Jean, I am blushing ten shades of red, I am so flattered that you Oded me!! I have been out of the blogging loop for a couple days with a wicked cold. My Dr. O ordered “No blogging!” but I’m so glad I snuck this peek in…it’s the best medicine!!

You look gorgeous gorgeous! I laughed – you have the beret in red(!), which I love, the Oriental-style jacket, incredible boots. Just everything I love! And the stripe in the skirt twists everything up so marvellously.

Your fashion sense astounds, your creativity amazes always, and your writing rings true and warm. So again, thanks so much, beautiful Jean, for this post – I feel better already! And all the lovely comments are like extra-super-duper vitamins!

I’m so glad my timing was good and I could help you along the path to wellness, and the fact I made you laugh makes me so very happy!!! As you can tell from the comments, I’m not the only one who looks forward to their dose of Bag and a Beret.